Stuck with the enemy

Chapter 22: Find Me A Luna!

Derek's Story

Things were finally returning to normal. My father was getting discharged, recovering steadily, and I could finally focus without Deniz's face flashing in my mind every other second. Immersing myself in work had been a relief. Together with my beta, Paul, I'd managed to regain control over the pack's affairs, making level-headed decisions without those constant pangs of doubt and distraction.

But the clarity that came from all the work drove home a final truth: it was time to sever this bond once and for all. I needed to find a Luna. Not for myself, but for the pack.

I sat in my office, the dim lighting casting long shadows on the dark wood of my desk. Thick mahogany shelves were lined with ancient books on pack law and history, and the only other decoration was a worn tapestry that my father had hung years ago. It had been his office first, and though I'd taken over, a part of him still lingered here in every corner.

Paul entered, and I took a deep breath, bracing myself for the conversation ahead.

"Paul," I began, my voice steady and resolute. "I think the waiting has come to an end. I want you to start searching for a suitable Luna for the pack."

He blinked, taken aback, and I could see the flicker of confusion and hesitation in his eyes. "Are you... are you sure about this, Derek?" he asked, his voice cautious. "I mean, there are plenty of alpha daughters eager to marry you. But... are you ready to give up on finding your mate?"

His question was loaded with meaning. Everyone knew that Lunas weren't chosen lightly, and that mates were sacred bonds. But I didn't flinch.

"If I had any doubts, I wouldn't be asking you to search, Paul," I replied firmly, leaning forward. "The pack needs stability. We can't afford to waste time anymore."

There was a pause, and I could feel David, my wolf, stirring uneasily within me. I knew he didn't like this decision. Not one bit.

"You're out of your mind," David growled, his voice clear and furious in the depths of my thoughts. "You can't just go off and marry someone else, Derek."

"I'm doing what's necessary," I shot back, keeping my expression neutral so Paul wouldn't notice the internal struggle.

Paul, however, wasn't ready to let it drop just yet. He crossed his arms, his brow furrowed in concern. "Look, Derek, I respect you, and I'll do anything you ask. But this... I mean, are you truly sure this is what you want? I don't want to see you regret this later."

I clenched my jaw, forcing down my frustration. Paul was my beta and, more importantly, my friend. He'd been by my side through everything. But this wasn't up for debate.

"Paul, I've made up my mind," I said, my voice sharper than I intended. "Are you questioning my decision?"

Paul's expression softened, and he held up his hands in a placating gesture. "No, Derek. I just... I don't want you rushing into something that important."

I bit back a retort, taking a moment to control my temper. He was only looking out for me, I knew that. But this decision felt too crucial to leave room for doubts.

"Derek," he said, his tone more subdued. "If you're sure, I'll spread the word to the neighboring packs. They'll know you're seeking a Luna."

"Good," I replied, exhaling, feeling a strange weight settle over me.

But David wasn't finished. "Idiot," he snarled, his fury simmering beneath my skin. "You know this isn't right."

"Enough, David," I snapped, my frustration slipping through my mental walls. "I'm doing this for us—for the pack. Don't make this harder."

I forced myself to ignore the ache David's words stirred in me.

Paul left the room, and I was alone with my thoughts—and David, who was more relentless than ever, prowling in the back of my mind, refusing to let this go. I clenched my jaw, trying to block out his voice, but he was pushing, stirring up memories I'd buried long ago.

"So, this is it?" David's voice was a rough growl, filled with accusation. "You're giving up on her, your own mate? All because you're too stuck in the past?"

My fists clenched, heat flaring in my chest. "This isn't about the past," I snapped. "It's about justice."

David let out a low, mocking laugh. "Justice? Or is it vengeance? Don't you think you're punishing the wrong person? Deniz isn't her parents. She didn't make the choices they did."

I could feel my anger boiling over, something I'd kept locked up for years. "Her family betrayed us," I ground out. "They betrayed the Alpha. Because of them, my mother—" My voice cracked, but I forced myself to continue. "My mother, David. Because they turned their backs on us. Because they were traitors."

The memory was a scar that never fully healed, the image of my mother in her last hours. Her family, Deniz's family, is responsible for this.

"Derek," David's voice softened, but I could still hear the frustration beneath it. "Deniz isn't responsible for what happened. She was eight goddammit. She didn't betray you, didn't choose any of this."

I clenched my teeth, the bitterness in me deepening. "It doesn't matter, David. She's one of them. The blood of those traitors runs through her veins. How can I be with someone whose family took everything from me?"

"You're blinded by anger," David growled, his voice sharp. " You're pushing her away because you can't let go of a grudge that isn't even hers to bear."

I shook my head, refusing to let him sway me. "The pack needs a strong Alpha, one who won't be weakened by ties to a family that deserted us. Her family is the reason my mother's gone. And I can't forget that. I won't."

"And you think this will make you stronger?" David's voice was full of disdain. "Derek, you're hurting yourself more than anyone else. You are hurting her too without even knowing."

I swallowed hard, feeling the weight of his words settle on me, but I wouldn't give in. "I don't need her," I said through gritted teeth. "She's nothing but a distraction. The pack's stability comes first, and I won't risk that for anyone."

"Is that what you really believe?" David challenged, his voice fierce. "Or is that what you tell yourself so you don't have to face what you feel? You're punishing her for her parents' mistakes. But mark my words, Derek—pushing her away won't bring your mother back. It'll only bring you more pain."

"Enough, David!" I snarled, feeling a surge of anger, a mix of pain and resentment. "I've made my decision. Deniz is nothing to me now, and that's final."

David fell silent, but his disappointment lingered, heavy and condemning.

Deniz's Story

It was an unusually quiet day, maybe too quiet, but I was ready to shatter that calm with my plan. I'd calculated every step, every move. The first thing I'd done was to make sure Tommy was safe.

Jacob, with his experience, was the perfect person to watch over him, that's why I've put them in the same room. With him around, I knew Tommy was safe.

Taking advantage of a moment when the boys weren't paying attention, I slipped into my room and left the letter for Alya on my vanity. It was there for an emergency—a thought I'd be glad never to have to rely on. I hope I'll be back, I told myself as I sealed the envelope, but if not, at least they'll know how to find me.

After some time, I left the house and headed to the café. Alya was already waiting there. She had no idea about my plan, and I couldn't risk telling her in case she'd try to stop me.